As the year comes to a close, The African Union ought to take urgent measures to forestall the impending human catastrophe in the Central African Republic (CAR) where rebel fighters have captured four towns including the diamond-rich Bria, and are threatening to overthrow the government.

That the CAR has experienced instability and armed revolts since its independence from France in 1960 ought to send the AU to the drawing table to reexamine its conflict resolution mechanisms. It is imperative that the conditions stipulated in the broken ceasefire be revised and the cause of the rebels integrated in the army deserting it be established.

The CAR is rich in mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, but its population is extremely poor. This cycle that has robbed the country of economic progress and sucked child soldiers into the conflict ought to be stopped – lest it breeds the Liberian or DR Congo equivalents. Peace in the CAR will be the best end year gift for the country.